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After impressive win, Alabama trying to stay grounded

Sep 6, 2008 - 11:35 AM Tulane (0-0) at No. 17 Alabama (1-0), 7:00 p.m. EDT

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (Ticker) -- It took only one game for Alabama to wash away the painful memories of last season's collapse in which the Crimson Tide lost their final four regular-season contests.

Now, the Crimson Tide may have to deal with rising expectations.

After manhandling Atlantic Coast Conference favorite Clemson, 34-10, in its season opener, No. 17 Alabama hosts Tulane on Saturday.

Last week's impressive performance did not go unnoticed, as the Crimson Tide (1-0) jumped into the top 20 after being unranked in the preseason. However, intense Alabama coach Nick Saban reminded his players not to get complacent.

"People get satisfied and a lot of times that is not helpful to being successful," Saban said. "That is not what we want to be."

Alabama physically beat up Clemson, holding it to a net of zero yards rushing while limiting the Tigers' backfield tandem of James Davis and C.J. Spiller to a combined 20 yards. Clemson had the ball for less than 19 minutes.

Frequently criticized Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson played a mistake-free game, completing 22-of-30 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the game with 500 career completions, breaking Brodie Croyle's previous school record of 488.

This week, Alabama takes on a team that is trying to stay focused on football.

Tulane, which is playing its season opener, was displaced from New Orleans, having to evacuate due to Hurricane Gustav. The Green Wave are spending the week practicing in Birmingham, Alabama.

Tulane is beginning its second year under former UCLA mentor Bob Toledo, who posted a 4-8 record in his first season.

"It's hard to remain normal because of what's happening," Toledo said. "It's obviously a distraction, and it's hard to maintain focus, but the players are doing a super job."

The Green Wave are making their first appearance in Tuscaloosa since 1991, but are battling a Southeastern Conference opponent for the fifth straight season. Last season, they lost to Mississippi State, 38-17, in their opener.